I‘ve been meeting a ridiculously large number of people lately.
They’re mostly entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, coaches, that type of person.
What I’ve learned is that there are a bunch of people out there building really interesting businesses these days.
Some days I’m spending seven hours on calls, back to back, with people I didn’t even know a month ago.
And I’ve noticed something that’s driving me absolutely bonkers. Almost every conversation ends the same way.
I ask, “So how can I help you?”
And they respond with some version of, “Promote my business and send me your clients.”
Seriously?!
We met 30 minutes ago, and you want me to promote your business and send you my clients?
I don’t even know if you’re any good at what you do.
Heck, I don’t even know what you do.
The Advice Everyone Gives
I know where this ask comes from, because every sales coach, sales book, and sales podcast, they all tell you the same thing.
Be direct.
Be specific.
Tell people exactly what you need.
If you want a referral, ask for the referral.
If you want business, ask for business.
And I think that’s bullshit advice.
At least it is when you’re talking to someone you just met.
Because asking someone you just met to promote your business and send you clients is like the business equivalent of proposing after the first date.
We just had a cup of coffee.
I don’t even know if I like you yet, and you’re asking me to marry you?
What the fuck?!?!
What You’re Really Asking For
So here’s what I think people completely misunderstand.
When you ask someone you just met to promote your business and send you clients, you think you’re asking them for help.
You’re not.
You’re asking them to take a risk, and it’s a much bigger risk than you probably realize. Because what you’re really asking them for is something you haven’t earned yet.
You’re asking for…
